Best Beaches In South Carolina For Families

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Kids carry boogie boards along a board walk on a South Carolina island. — Photo Courtesy: Anna Massion

Enjoy sunshine, a gorgeous coastline, and family fun at these best beaches in South Carolina for families! From Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head, there’s everything from delicious seafood to soft sand and water sports such as kayaking or fishing. These beach towns also offer a family-friendly environment and plenty to do outside of the water, from nearby museums to historic sites, aquariums, and zoos. Not to mention boardwalks lined with amusement rides and fun games! Nature-loving families will appreciate the opportunity to go hiking or biking through scenic coastal landscapes. On this list, we’ve included the best beaches in South Carolina for families, between the state’s barrier islands and other options. Keep reading for things to do, where to stay, and more tips for your next South Carolina family vacation!

Best Beaches In South Carolina For Families

If you’re looking for the best beaches or beach towns in South Carolina for families, check out this option!

Myrtle Beach

Families looking for a lively, bustling beach can check out Myrtle Beach! From outdoor activities to natural beauty, it promises an unforgettable family vacation as one of the best beaches in South Carolina for families!

One of the main draws is the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Families can stroll along the busy waterfront, take a ride on the SkyWheel, or enjoy classic carnival games and rides at the nearby Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Of course, there are plenty of places along the beach to relax and soak up the sun. Kids can also make a splash at Myrtle Waves Water Park! Beyond the beach, marine wonders await at Ripley’s Aquarium, showcasing colorful fish, playful sea turtles, and even stingrays in a touch tank. Mini-golf enthusiasts will find no shortage of themed courses dotted along the Grand Strand, offering whimsical challenges for players of all ages.

Nature lovers can hike through Myrtle Beach State Park, providing opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. Or, take a dolphin cruise setting sail from the marina!

Check out these 18 Best Things To Do In Greenville, South Carolina With Kids!

Best Barrier Islands In South Carolina For Families

From Kiawah Island to Sullivan’s Island, we guarantee your kids will never be bored at any of South Carolina’s hopping barrier islands! Each offers something different in terms of your getaway, whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or a bustling, active vacation. Keep reading to find out more!

Pawley’s Island

Pawleys Island is a low-key barrier island that deserves more attention from families! With its pristine beaches, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, it offers a peaceful retreat on the South Carolina coast.

Kids can spend hours building sandcastles, splashing in the gentle waves, and searching for seashells along the island’s 4-mile shoreline. There’s a free public beach access lot, the largest in Georgetown County, located on the south end of the island. Plus, there are 8 other public beach access points. Other popular activities include water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as guided crabbing or fishing trips. For a taste of history, families can visit the historic Pawleys Island Hammock Shops to browse boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Or, explore nearby Brookgreen Gardens, home to lush botanical gardens, whimsical sculptures, and a Lowcountry Zoo.

Here are the Best Barrier Islands For Your South Carolina Family Vacation!

Hilton Head

Hilton Head has everything a family could want for an unforgettable vacation in South Carolina! With its stunning views, pristine beaches, and endless entertainment options for children and adults alike, this charming coastal sanctuary promises nothing but excitement, adventure, and endless memories. And don’t forget about all of the delicious restaurants and ice cream shops!

Whether you’re looking to go fishing or crabbing, play golf or tennis at one of the many world-class resorts, or simply relax on the warm sand – Hilton Head truly has something for everyone. Family-friendly beaches include Islanders Beach Park, Driessen Beach, and Coligny Beach. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, or visit the playground while their parents unwind. Then, you can horseback ride at Lawton Stables or visit the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge to see more local animals.

Families can also see Hilton Head’s wildlife by water by taking a sailing tour or going bird-watching with Commander Zodiac. Or, go dolphin watching with Hilton Head Dolphin Tours. Adventure Cove is always fun for mini-golf, and kids will love the arcade. Visit The Sea Pines Resort to climb up its legendary lighthouse!

Where To Stay In Hilton Head With Kids

For a luxury stay, consider booking the Montage Palmetto Bluff, which has a big property and accommodations ranging from one-bedroom suites to Southern-style cottages. There’s also Omni Hilton Head, which features three golf courses, a kayaking lagoon, and three outdoor pools. Disney fans will love a stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort, which is located less than a mile from Shelter Cove Harbour. For apartment-style accommodations, try Marriott’s SurfWatch. Or, explore homes and condos in Palmetto Dunes and The Sea Pines Resort, among other options on our list of Best Family Hotels in Hilton Head (All Parent-Recommended)!

Kiawah Island

When it comes to the best beaches in South Carolina for families with kids, Kiawah Island is a must-see destination. Located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, this beautiful barrier island boasts 10 miles of pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, some of the best golf courses in the country, and lush greenery that will leave you in awe. Plus, since there’s little traffic and even fewer crowds, it’s perfect for a tranquil escape!

Spend your days sunning on the wide sandy shorelines, paddling through marsh-lined creeks, or riding bikes around the island without worry. The island is split into two beach areas: East Beach and West Beach. Beachwalker County Park on West Beach is the only public access point. There are always water sports such as kayaking and surfing options available. For children curious about marine life, there’s the chance to go on dolphin-watching tours.

When you want a break, check out the various restaurants in the town center, try bird-watching, or go for a hike. Adults can’t miss a chance to play on the iconic courses at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, designed by legendary architects.

Pro Tip: Families visiting the island need to secure a Gate Pass if not staying through a resort.

Where To Stay On Kiawah Island With Kids

Families who want to stay on Kiawah Island with kids can book accommodations at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which boasts one-bedroom suites, two outdoor pools, and more kid-friendly amenities. Or, check out Vrbo for home rentals.

Families searching for a budget-friendly vacation can check out these 21 Affordable Summer Vacation Destinations With Kids!

Folly Island

Head to Folly Island for your next family vacation! Another barrier island in South Carolina, it’s known for its bustling city Folly Beach. Though it’s a bit more popular than the other islands, it maintains a laid-back, funky vibe. Plus, there are plenty of options for places to stay with kids!

On Folly Island, you won’t find chain restaurants or big-name stores. Instead, you’ll discover unique boutique shops, family-friendly restaurants, and a large pier jutting out over the water. Take the kids to Folly Pier to drop a line and hope to snag the best catch of the day. Of course, don’t forget about the beach. If you have a surf lover or want to learn to surf, Folly Beach’s waves are perfect. Surf lessons at Isla Surf School will have kids learning to hang ten in no time! You can also rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the water.

Folly Beach is only 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, giving families a great opportunity to visit the city. And, there’s also the nearby Morris Island Lighthouse.

Isle of Palms

Left Image: A mom and daughter with sand toys walk along Isle of Palm Beach. Right Image: A young girl plays in the water at Isle of Palm Beach. — Photo Courtesy: Joselyn Cruz Oestreich

The Isle of Palms is a great family beach escape from Charleston. Only 12 miles from downtown, it has plenty of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals. No wonder it’s one of the best beaches in South Carolina for families!

Families will love the seven miles of beach where they can spread out, soak up the sun, and watch kids run through the water. One of the highlights for families is the Isle of Palms County Park, featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, and lifeguarded swimming areas. Make sure to bring your golf clubs, as Isle of Palms has many world-class golf courses where you can tee off with the kids! Parents can also rent SUP boards or wave-runners and take the kids for a whirl. Make sure to check out the Windjammer for beach volleyball and live music during the high season. Rumor has it that there’s even buried pirate treasure on the island! As the sun sets, give your kids metal detectors and explore the Isle of Palms. You never know what treasure you may dig up!

Seabrook Island

Add Seabrook Island to your South Carolina itinerary! If your family loves nature, this family-friendly destination over 20 miles south of Charleston is the right place for you. Seabrook Island is a private, residential community featuring award-winning golf courses and tournament-grade tennis courts.

Seabrook Island has two pristine beaches: Pelican Beach and North Beach. Since they’re private, both are calmer than other South Carolina beaches, though Pelican Beach is particularly popular among families. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting over 80 species of birds across the island. Kids will also love seeing dolphins swim close to shore to capture fish. Seabrook even houses the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, where families can book horse riding tours. It’ll be a great bonding experience, plus exercise. Who knows, you may even have some wildlife encounters along the way!

Sullivan’s Island

A young girl with a bright red sand pail plays off the shore from Sullivan Island. — Photo Courtesy: Natalia Karpov Palmer

Take the whole family on a super fun trip to Sullivan’s Island! With its convenient location off the Charleston Harbor, it’s one of the quickest and easiest excursions you can take to a barrier island.

Families can take advantage of Sullivan’s Island Beach, and its water sports, and learn more about the island’s history. For example, kids can discover our nation’s Revolutionary War past at Fort Moultrie and the burial site of Seminole Indian Chief Osceola on the island. If your little ones are active, take them to splash around on the beautiful beach. If you have older kids, let them try out a day of kiteboarding with Sea-Land Adventure Sports. Since it’s so close to Charleston, you could visit Sullivan’s Island for a day, a weekend, or even the whole week. If you plan to stay longer than a day, however, your family will need to rent a vacation home.

Happy Travels!

Two kids on bikes race down a boardwalk while exploring Kiawah Island, one of the best beaches in South Carolina for families. — Photo Courtesy: Anna Massion

We hope you liked this list of the Best Beaches In South Carolina For Families! From Myrtle Beach to Kiawah Island, there are plenty of places to soak up the sun with your kids. Enjoy your next family vacation to South Carolina!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.